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Published on: February 9, 2011
A Pediatric Case of Septic Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Tsukamurella paurometabola
Takanori Yamaguchi1,2, Ryoichi Hayashi3, Ryo Hanaki3
1Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Mie University Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
We herein report a three-year-old boy with septic pulmonary embolism caused by Tsukamurella paurometabola bacteremia during chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma. During the interval of chemotherapy, the patient was temporarily discharged with a peripherally inserted central venous catheter but was re-admitted to the hospital with a fever on the same day. A blood culture taken at the time of re-admission showed T. paurometabola. The patient had a persistent fever, and computed tomography performed on the ninth day showed septic pulmonary embolism. We stress the importance of being aware of the possibility of septic pulmonary embolism in patients with Tsukamurella bacteremia.
Insights
A child undergoing chemotherapy developed septic pulmonary embolism from Tsukamurella paurometabola bacteremia. This case highlights the need to consider this serious complication in immunocompromised patients with Tsukamurella bacteremia.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common pediatric cancer requiring chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression increases susceptibility to infections.
- Tsukamurella paurometabola is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals.
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